Chelsea’s Diego Costa could be benched against Newcastle

Miles Starforth

ALAN Pardew says he wouldn’t be surprised to see Diego Costa BENCHED at St James’s Park – because of Loic Remy.

Costa was suspended for Chelsea’s midweek win over Tottenham Hotspur.

And the in-form striker, signed from Atletico Madrid in the summer, is widely expected to return to the starting XI against Newcastle United tomorrow.

But United manager Pardew feels Mourinho – who complained he didn’t have enough firepower last season – could start with Drogba or ex-Newcastle loanee Remy, with both having scored in the 3-0 win over Tottenham.

“Jose was moaning about his strikers, but he can’t this year,” said Pardew. “He has three terrific strikers – any one of them could play.

“Knowing Jose, he could start with Loic or Drogba – I wouldn’t necessarily guarantee that Costa will return.

“He’s loyal to his players. I was pleased to see Loic score. He’ll push Costa all the way.”